Aritz Aduriz Reportedly Agrees To Contract Renewal With Athletic Club

After saying goodbye to Markel Susaeta, Ander Iturraspe, and Mikel Rico on Sunday everyone’s attention immediately turned to Aritz Aduriz. The 38-year-old striker has had a renewal offer on the table for several months now and Sporting Director Rafa Alkorta made it clear that Aduriz would be the one to decide his own future. “We are trying to convince Aduriz to continue”, said Gaizka Garitano after the win over Celta Vigo, “and I think it’s going to happen.” The manager appears to be right.

According to a report from José Artetxe of DEIA, Aduriz has told Athletic that he will sign the renewal for one more season. The forward has made the decision to continue at the club for at least one more year and could play an integral part in the team if the Lions qualify for Europe on the final day of the season.

In turn, Garitano will have plenty of options in attack next season. Along with Iñaki Williams, Kenan Kodro, and Aduriz the manager will also have Asier Villalibre at his disposal. The 21-year-old is expected to sign his own renewal in the coming days that will guarantee permanent promotion to the first team. The club believes that Villalibre has the qualities to become an important player at Athletic and being able to learn under Aduriz next year is an added bonus.

One striker that won’t be available is Fernando Llorente. The report goes on to say that the club has already ruled out the signing of the former Athletic star and that President Aitor Elizegi doesn’t believe he would add enough to the team to outweigh the negative response from fans who don’t want the 34-year-old back at San Mamés. Garitano is confident in the four strikers that will be in the squad next season as Athletic will likely be competing in three different tournaments.